How to Become a CNC Machinist in Michigan (2026)
Michigan employs about 20,350 cnc machinists earning a median $52,360 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most cnc machinists train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Michigan.
Compare CNC Machinist Schools in Michigan
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washtenaw Community College | 54.4 | $2,736 in-state / $6,504 out-of-state | $52,304 | 33% | Yes* | 83 mi |
| 2 | Henry Ford College | 53.9 | $3,568 in-state / $7,816 out-of-state | $54,466 | 17% | Yes* | 95 mi |
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| 3 | Jackson College | 52.2 | $7,350 in-state / $10,200 out-of-state | $53,223 | 16% | Yes* | 74 mi |
| 4 | Kalamazoo Valley Community College | 49.9 | $4,144 in-state / $9,094 out-of-state | $48,131 | 28% | Yes* | 87 mi |
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| 5 | Oakland Community College | 48.9 | $3,020 in-state / $5,560 out-of-state | $53,677 | 21% | Yes* | 82 mi |
| 6 | Lansing Community College | 48.5 | $4,100 in-state / $11,300 out-of-state | $56,314 | 25% | Yes* | 34 mi |
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| 7 | Muskegon Community College | 47.2 | $7,250 in-state / $16,010 out-of-state | $47,476 | 28% | Yes* | 78 mi |
| 8 | Delta College | 46.8 | $4,820 in-state / $7,880 out-of-state | $52,169 | 27% | Yes* | 40 mi |
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| 9 | Kellogg Community College | 44.1 | $4,118 in-state / $8,282 out-of-state | $41,918 | 30% | Yes* | 68 mi |
| 10 | Grand Rapids Community College | 41.4 | $4,179 in-state / $12,219 out-of-state | $49,887 | 21% | Yes* | 55 mi |
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Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Michigan employs approximately 20,350 cnc machinists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $52,360 1. The state’s concentration of cnc machinist jobs is 2.50x the national average, indicating strong demand. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 29,500 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a CNC Machinist in Michigan, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Michigan): $52,360 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a CNC Machinist in Michigan
How to become a CNC Machinist in Michigan? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for cnc machinists in Michigan.
How long does it take? Most paths into the cnc machinist field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do cnc machinists earn in Michigan? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in Michigan is $52,360 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,370 and experienced professionals can earn $75,330 or more 1.
How to Become a CNC Machinist in Michigan
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Michigan training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Michigan that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to cnc machinists in Michigan before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
CNC Machinist Apprenticeship Information in Michigan
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Michigan’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Michigan Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Mott Community College - Apprenticeship Program
- Address: 1401 E. Court St., Flint, MI 48503-2089
- Phone: (810) 762-0200
- Email: [email protected]
CNC Machinist Wages by Metro Area in Michigan
Machinists Wages by Metro Area in Michigan
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), machinists wages in Michigan vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | 7,680 | $59,310 | $58,190 | $38,650 | $78,730 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood | 3,460 | $50,110 | $53,290 | $38,160 | $71,740 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | 750 | $59,850 | $58,680 | $40,280 | $78,650 |
| Jackson | 650 | $49,840 | $52,540 | $38,050 | $63,140 |
| Saginaw | 650 | $52,360 | $54,030 | $39,430 | $68,780 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage | 640 | $49,440 | $54,810 | $41,030 | $75,210 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | 630 | $51,990 | $53,560 | $39,170 | $68,810 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores | 530 | $48,280 | $50,860 | $36,160 | $63,400 |
| Niles | 530 | $50,430 | $51,890 | $37,230 | $63,290 |
| Flint | 350 | $62,850 | $63,960 | $39,490 | $80,120 |
| Ann Arbor | 290 | $55,500 | $56,680 | $41,890 | $77,070 |
| Traverse City | 260 | $49,420 | $53,390 | $39,070 | $63,870 |
| Battle Creek | 240 | $48,530 | $51,650 | $38,940 | $62,280 |
| Monroe | 210 | $60,210 | $58,900 | $45,140 | $77,010 |
| Bay City | 200 | $52,780 | $54,570 | $38,100 | $68,410 |
| Michigan City-La Porte | 140 | $51,700 | $53,640 | $38,500 | $67,600 |
| Midland | 50 | $55,380 | $56,180 | $38,650 | $77,270 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for cnc machinists in Michigan? Michigan currently employs approximately 20,350 cnc machinists 1. Nationally, cnc machinist employment is projected to grow 0.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Michigan? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Michigan. You can also contact the Michigan Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do cnc machinists earn in Michigan compared to the national average? The median annual wage for cnc machinists in Michigan is $52,360, which is $3,790 below the national median of $56,150 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Michigan Workforce Development - Registered Apprenticeship: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |